Police imposters preying on unsuspecting drivers are all over the news. Pretend police officers in police style sedans with flashing lights strike terror in the hearts of motorists. This is especially true for women driving alone late at night in desolate areas. But how can you tell the fake fuzz from the real deal?
While it is hard to be sure that you are being stopped by a real police officer, deputy sheriff, or state trooper, police experts advise that there are some safety tips that can assist you. Police officers do not like imposters as they endanger law enforcers and the public. Officers understand the concern that members of the public have about the pretend police and encourage reasonable precautions and safety steps be taken. Safety steps can be taken.
1. Call 911
2. Turn on lights
3. Pick safe spot
Call 911
If you're not sure if the vehicle with the flashing lights behind you is an official police car, you can call 911 from your cell phone as you are driving to get verification. This also serves to get your concerns on record (all 911 calls are taped). Since law enforcement officers should by departmental policy call in their traffic stops, the 911 center can give you verification of the car behind you. Your taped call also demonstrates your intent and mitigates the appearance that you're trying to elude the officer.
Turn on lights
Upon observing the officer attempting to stop your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights. This lets the officer know that you've seen him or her and are not attempting to speed off. You should also turn on your interior dome light if it is dark out. Police officers are often concerned if they can't see you and especially your hands. They may feel that you fishing around the passenger compartment of the car for a gun and are reluctant to stop for you thinking that you are groping for a weapon.
Pick a safe spot
Drive to a well-lit preferably populated area. Driving to a local police station may not be advisable. Many rural police and sheriff's facilities are substations that are not manned after business hours. A gas station, mall, convenience store or other crowded commercial establishment is a better bet. If it is a police imposter, they are unlikely to want to follow you to a well-lit and people laden location.
Pretend police is a concern to police experts and drivers alike. Knowing safety tips to deal with fake cops can save you and your family from a dangerous situation.
While it is hard to be sure that you are being stopped by a real police officer, deputy sheriff, or state trooper, police experts advise that there are some safety tips that can assist you. Police officers do not like imposters as they endanger law enforcers and the public. Officers understand the concern that members of the public have about the pretend police and encourage reasonable precautions and safety steps be taken. Safety steps can be taken.
1. Call 911
2. Turn on lights
3. Pick safe spot
Call 911
If you're not sure if the vehicle with the flashing lights behind you is an official police car, you can call 911 from your cell phone as you are driving to get verification. This also serves to get your concerns on record (all 911 calls are taped). Since law enforcement officers should by departmental policy call in their traffic stops, the 911 center can give you verification of the car behind you. Your taped call also demonstrates your intent and mitigates the appearance that you're trying to elude the officer.
Turn on lights
Upon observing the officer attempting to stop your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights. This lets the officer know that you've seen him or her and are not attempting to speed off. You should also turn on your interior dome light if it is dark out. Police officers are often concerned if they can't see you and especially your hands. They may feel that you fishing around the passenger compartment of the car for a gun and are reluctant to stop for you thinking that you are groping for a weapon.
Pick a safe spot
Drive to a well-lit preferably populated area. Driving to a local police station may not be advisable. Many rural police and sheriff's facilities are substations that are not manned after business hours. A gas station, mall, convenience store or other crowded commercial establishment is a better bet. If it is a police imposter, they are unlikely to want to follow you to a well-lit and people laden location.
Pretend police is a concern to police experts and drivers alike. Knowing safety tips to deal with fake cops can save you and your family from a dangerous situation.